Fandango at Home has named Rick and Morty season eight as the top new TV show of 2025, based on streaming transactions from January to December. The animated series outperformed others on the platform, with a notable episode featuring cameos from directors James Gunn and Zack Snyder. Despite past viewership declines, the season's streaming debut proved popular among fans.
Fandango at Home, the on-demand streaming service from Fandango, released its 2025 year-end roundup on December 20, highlighting top films and TV shows by transaction volume from January 1 to December 18. Rick and Morty season eight emerged as the leading new TV show, marking a strong digital performance for the Adult Swim series.
The season includes standout moments like the episode “Ricker Than Fiction,” praised for clever cameos by James Gunn and Zack Snyder. Fans initially expressed frustration over the delay between the TV finale and streaming availability, but many found the eventual binge-watching experience rewarding.
Historically, Rick and Morty drew over 2 million viewers per night on Adult Swim during seasons led by co-creator Justin Roiland, who voiced lead characters until his termination amid allegations in the era of heightened scrutiny. No convictions followed for Roiland, and current network practices often await legal outcomes. Post-replacement, weekly viewership has dropped below 500,000. The show ranked as cable's top comedy in seasons three through six and has won two Emmys for Outstanding Animated Program, including one for the Roiland-voiced “Pickle Rick” episode.
This half-hour animated comedy follows sociopathic genius Rick Sanchez as he embarks on dangerous universe-spanning adventures with his timid grandson Morty, while living with his daughter Beth and family. Season eight stars Ian Cardoni, Harry Belden, Sarah Chalke, Chris Parnell, and Spencer Grammer, with executive producers Dan Harmon and showrunner Scott Marder. The official synopsis teases: “Rick and Morty is back for Season Eight! Life has meaning again! Anything is possible! Look out for adventures with Summer, Jerry, Beth, and the other Beth. Maybe Butter Bot will get a new task? Whatever happens, you can’t keep Rick and Morty down for long. People have tried!”
The success underscores the series' enduring appeal in streaming, even as linear TV numbers wane.
